Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most progressive cities when it comes to sustainability—and it shows. With more bikes than people, a vast network of bike paths, and a strong cycling culture, emission-free travel is simply a way of life. The city’s canals, green spaces, and compact layout make it not only easy to get around, but enjoyable to explore sustainably.

Amsterdam is also a pioneer in the circular economy, rethinking how the city designs, builds, and reuses resources. From energy-efficient architecture and waste-to-energy programs to eco-friendly hotels and organic food markets, sustainability is woven into everyday life. Creative spaces like De Ceuvel—a former shipyard transformed into a hub for sustainable cafes, offices, and innovation—showcase the city’s commitment to climate-forward urban design.

Whether you’re cycling past wind turbines, shopping zero-waste, or relaxing in one of the city's many parks, Amsterdam offers a dynamic, design-forward environment where living green doesn’t just feel possible—it feels natural.

Study Abroad in Amsterdam

Buenos Aires is a vibrant and complex megacity—offering a front-row seat to the environmental challenges and innovations facing the global south. As sustainability efforts gain traction, students can explore how the city balances its rich cultural identity with initiatives focused on mobility, green space, and waste management—all aiming toward a carbon-neutral future by 2050.

You can also learn about environmental science studies abroad on our Buenos Aires Summer – Culture & Language program. From academic programs that explore biotechnology and agribusiness to immersive visits to organic food markets like Sabe la Tierra, sustainability here is both studied and lived. Buenos Aires challenges students to think critically about land use, social equity, and environmental resilience in real-world contexts—making it a truly dynamic classroom for global changemakers.

Study Abroad in Buenos Aires

Few places in the world offer a better classroom for environmental study than the Galápagos Islands. When enrolled in our Direct Enrollment - GAIAS program, you can take courses in one of three sustainability-focused tracks: Evolution, Ecology & Conservation; Marine Ecology; or Sustainability and Resilience.

From snorkeling with sea lions to meeting with conservationists and local leaders, your learning will extend far beyond the lecture hall. Whether you’re researching marine life or examining how tourism impacts fragile ecosystems, Galápagos offers rare, firsthand insight into the urgent work of preserving biodiversity in one of Earth’s most iconic natural environments.

Study Abroad in Galápagos

Germany is a powerhouse of sustainability—and when you study abroad with us in Freiburg or Berlin, you’ll see why. From Berlin’s innovation-driven green policies to Freiburg’s historically deep-rooted eco-conscious lifestyle, environmentalism is more than a movement—it’s part of everyday life.

In Freiburg—Germany’s greenest city—you’ll live sustainability firsthand. The city’s pedestrian-friendly layout, clean energy systems, and commitment to green urban planning make it an ideal setting for immersive learning. Our Environmental Studies & Sustainability program turns the city and surrounding region into your classroom, combining coursework in forest ecology and sustainability with fieldwork in the Black Forest and Swiss Alps.

At IES Abroad Berlin, sustainability starts at the source: our Center runs entirely on renewable water energy and uses recycled materials throughout. Single-use items are nowhere to be found, and recycling is the norm. Outside the Center, Berlin’s extensive bike lanes, clean-energy public transport, and bold climate goals offer an urban experience shaped by future-focused thinking and community-driven change.

Whether you're drawn to cutting-edge policy or rooted, lived-in practices, studying in Germany offers a dynamic view of sustainability in action—where cities don’t just talk about the future, they build it.

Study Abroad in Germany

London may be one of the largest and busiest cities in Europe, but it’s also a leader in sustainable urban innovation. From expanding green spaces like Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to transforming streets with low-emission zones and pedestrian-first design, the city is reimagining what urban living can look like in a climate-conscious future.

Ambitious goals are guiding London’s evolution. The city is working toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, investing in cycling infrastructure, electric buses, and energy-efficient housing along the way. Initiatives like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) are helping reduce air pollution and encourage greener modes of transport. With nearly half the city made up of green or blue space, London balances history and nature in a way few global cities can.

Explore London’s role in shaping sustainable futures on our Social Sciences & Sustainability program. Through courses like Designing the Sustainable City, you'll conduct meaningful research on social and environmental change, engage with local communities, and see sustainability come to life—both inside and outside the classroom.

Study Abroad in London

Milan may not be the first city that comes to mind for environmental leadership, but the city is making significant efforts toward a greener future—especially in urban sustainability, mobility, and waste management. It now ranks as the most walkable city in the world, with an average six-minute walk to key amenities like schools, hospitals, restaurants, and shops. This level of accessibility supports lower emissions, reduced traffic, and stronger community connections—hallmarks of a city designed with both people and the planet in mind. 

The IES Abroad Milan Center is located in Monte Rosa 91, the first redeveloped building in Italy to be awarded the Platinum Wired Score certification, which testifies to the high technological level of space connection. The complex will also be certified LEED Core & Shell Platinum, for energy and climate efficiency, and LEED Ebom Gold, for the building's effectiveness in terms of operations.

We are proud to offer a diverse range of courses in Milan that immerse students in real-world urban sustainability challenges and explore sustainability in action!

Study Abroad in Milan

In Aotearoa New Zealand, sustainability isn’t just studied—it’s lived. Whether you choose Ōtautahi Christchurch or Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, you’ll find yourself immersed in a country where environmental connection, cultural respect, and climate resilience go hand in hand.

In Ōtautahi Christchurch, a city reborn with sustainability at its core, students in our Direct Enrollment – University of Canterbury program can explore subjects like Ecology, Forestry, and Soil Science while gaining hands-on experience in some of the country’s most ecologically diverse landscapes. From post-quake urban innovation to kayaking through pristine waters, Ōtautahi offers a unique lens on green rebuilding and community-led resilience.

In Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, students in our Direct Enrollment – University of Auckland program can dive into Environmental Law, Environmental Science, and more—all taught through a distinctly Aotearoa New Zealand lens. With its volcanic peaks, native bushland, and coastal trails, Tāmaki Makaurau is a natural laboratory for studying climate action, biodiversity, and sustainable urban development.

Together, these cities offer a holistic view of sustainability in action—where academic rigor meets outdoor exploration, and where the land, people, and future are deeply interconnected.

Study Abroad in  Aotearoa  New Zealand